The 2008 vintage in Eden Valley was preceded by an average rainfall and a mild and
unusually frost-free spring with regular rainfall periods. Fine flowering weather meant good
set despite the expectation that the previous drought year of 2007 would affect yields. The
vines also showed surprisingly vigorous growth. A dry and hotter than average early summer
caused smaller berry and bunch size. Although temperatures climbed to over 40C around
New Year and in mid-February, the weather from mid-January through February was the
coolest for 30 years, allowing amazing development of fruit colour, flavour and maturity. In
early March, South Australia suffered an unprecedented record heat wave of 15 days over
35C. The unexpected searing heat seemed never-ending and resulted in stressed vines,
significant leaf drop, escalating sugar levels in the fruit and significant shrivel. A cool
change followed, which brought relief.

The nose is attractive and enticing with aromas of sweet blackberry, blueberry, Satsuma plum and rhubarb, with characteristic nuances of oriental spices, black tea leaves, anise, tar and cedar.

The palate is rich and concentrated with spicy plum, crushed herbs and Dutch licorice flavours. An amazing balance of acid, fruit intensity, weight and length create a powerful palate that finishes with long, fine tannins.

Intense deep crimson in colour.

Matured in new French (84%) and American (16%) hogsheads for 21 months prior to blending and bottling.

Selective early morning handpicking, leaving shrivelled fruit on the vines, gave the best quality, resulting in some amazing intensely coloured and flavoured reds, in particular shiraz.